Two Dover men accused of attempting to murder a pizza delivery driver have been found not guilty this afternoon.

Victim Barry Cox was stabbed six times while making his way home after a night out in Dover last August.

But this afternoon a jury acquitted Ryan Knight, 19, and Jordan Barringer, 20 of attempted murder.

But they convicted them both of an alternative charge of wounding Mr Cox with intent to cause him very serious harm.

Both were remanded in custody until next month after the judge told Barringer he should expect a long sentence of detention.

The jury also convicted Knight of possessing an offensive weapon and attempting to rob Mr Cox.

The jury at Canterbury Crown Court heard during the trial how Mr Cox had been stalked by two men...and then stabbed six times during the botched robbery, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.

Barringer, from Eldred Road, and Knight from Effingham Crescent, both Dover, had both denied the attempted murder charge.

Prosecutor Simon Taylor told how Mr Cox left work to go to Dover Priory Railway Station to meet friends.

“Mr Cox stayed with his work colleagues until about 12.35 am and then decided to take the short walk through the High Street to visit a friend who lived in Wood Street, Dover.

“It was as he turned into Wood Street that Mr Cox was first attacked by two males, “ he said.

The prosecutor claimed that Mr Cox was told: “Give me your money or I will stab you and then saw one of the men holding a knife.

Mr Cox then swung a carrier bag at the knifeman who again demanded money saying if he refused “We will stab you.”

The prosecutor said: “Although Mr Cox had been backing away, he wasn’t able to get far enough away and the knifeman was able to repeatedly thrust the knife into his stomach three times.

“Despite his injuries Mr Cox was able to turn and run away. However, as he did so Barringer struck again – this time striking him in the back, “ he said.

Mr Cox managed to run to the Dolphin Fish Bar in High Street and pleaded for help and the police were alerted.

He was later taken to hospital and treated for “life-threatening” injuries, including chest and abdomen wounds, the jury heard.

Barringer had earlier admitted attempted robbery and possessing the knife.